Los Angeles

Recession Me This

The Vista Theater

The Vista Theater is truly vintage LA. Eighty-five years old today, this theater was built in the 1920's as a vaudeville theater. The 1970's turned it into a porn theater and it is now a modern day first run movie theater. It's quite special --an eastside gem.

This art deco theater is covered in Egyptian motif and incredibly spacious, comfy seats (you won't believe the leg room) await you. Velvet red curtains adorn the screen and cherry Pepsi and delish popcorn are available at the concession counter. Movie scores play while you wait and tickets are just $6.50 before 6:00 p.m. (lucky you). We even enjoyed the old skool "Enjoy The Show" reel.

Just when you think your experience here can't get more unique and special, the ticket taker at the door (who is often the manager) is guaranteed to dress up as one of the characters in the current movie. Rumor has it, he made a great Brenda Blethyn.

We promise you won't miss the mall.

Tip: You do have to get in line to buy your ticket. No pre-ordering tickets or seats. We suggest you arrive a bit early to grab a good seat. Then again, there really aren't any bad seats in this space.

Cost$9.50 for adults/ $5.50 for kids (12 and under) and seniors/ $6.50 for any movie prior to 6:00 p.m.
Location4473 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
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Websitehttp://www.losfeliz.com/online/vista.htm
Telephone(323) 660-6639
ParkingStreet
Dress codeCasual

Mission Cantina

Behind the iron gates off Sunset Blvd. lies a cozy, dimly lit bar with stained glass windows and velvet booths. It looks like a tiny church, however, there's nothing holy about this joint. On Tuesdays, Mission Cantina turns into a taco lovers dream with their $1 tacos and $4 Tecante and Dos Equis from 12:00 a.m - 11:00 p.m. These tacos are memorable. Choices include: chicken, carne asada, pork, and veggie with potato. Their homemade tortillas are out of this world and your tacos are accompanied by a wonderful array of condiments which include: onion and cilantro, pico de gallo, red onion in vinegar and three types of salsa -- roja, verde and habanero. Their full food menu is offered Tuesday nights as well.

Tequila aficionados will be challenged as there are over a hundred to choose from. The margaritas are well done too --choose from fresh apricot, peach, grapefruit and lavender. There are even Jalapeno martinis. Sangria anyone?

Check out the roman numerals on the stained glass windows -- they're years that mark significant events in Mexican history. If you still can't shake the church recall, one of the bartenders will gladly let you confess your sins. Since this sits in Hollywood, you may have to get in line.

Tip: Tuesday nights can get loud. We recommend making this stop during the early part of your evening.

Price range$$
Location5946 W. Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90068
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HoursMon. - Fri.: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sat. - Sun.: 6 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Websitehttp://www.themissioncantina.com/
Telephone(323) 469-3130
ParkingStreet Parking
Type of CuisineMexican
Outdoor seatingYes
PaymentAccepts Major Credit Cards
Dress codeHip casual
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Ok. These prices are averages for one person eating a meal including one drink and a tip. If you play football for the Giants and eat three main courses in a sitting, you should probably expect to pay more.

$ Thrifty, under $10
$$ Middle of the Road, $11 - $30
$$$ Gettin' up there, $31 - $60
$$$$ Go baby go, $61-100
$$$$$ Big spender, over $100.
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